When it comes to cars, 2015 has been an incredible year, with various new supercars, concepts and amazing renderings bringing us to the edge of excitement, and beyond.
And since this year is almost over, now it’s the perfect time to give the best of the best credit, acknowledging the supercars that made a difference in 2015 and give us a glimpse of what’s to come. As such, please feast your eyes on the 10 most incredible pieces of automotive technology and passion that became a reality this year.
10. Lotus 3-Eleven
Introduced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the track-focused Lotus 3-Eleven is the fastest and most expensive car ever developed by Lotus. The hair rising 3-Eleven is actually an open-cockpit version of the Exige chassis, and comes with a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine that outputs 450 hp and 332 lb-ft. of torque.
Offered with either a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox or a track-ready six-speed sequential transmission, the Lotus 3-Eleven will do 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) in its Race guise and 180 mph (290 km/h) in its standard form.
This new 3-Eleven has lapped Hethel’s test track in just 1 min and 22 secs and, come February 2016, it will be available for purchase.
9. Icona Vulcano
Dubbed as the ‘Vulcano’, the dream machine developed by the Italian design house Icona is a very unique titanium and carbon fiber-bodied supercar. It features similar sharp and dramatic lines as the famous Blackbird SR-71 military plane, with a specific purpose: to improve engine cooling and reduce air turbulence generated by the wheels.
The hand crafted titanium body of this car took over 1,000 hours to develop, but it was definitely worth it. The Icona Vulcano hides a massive V8 mid front engine, suited for both road and race use, mated to a paddle shifting gearbox and developing around 670 hp.
As a result, this Titanium beast will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.8 seconds.
8. Ferrari F12tdf
The limited-run Ferrari F12tdf – Tour de France – is a highly anticipated hardcore version of the F12. Produced in a limited run of just 799 units, this Ferrari shows off an improved engine and handling, plus better aerodynamics.
It is powered by the same V12 6,262cc engine, which now develops an extra 40 PS (29 kW) and 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) of torque, when compared to the standard F12, specifically 780 PS (574 kW) and 705 Nm (521 lb-ft) of torque.
The upgraded F1 DCT gearbox allows for 30% faster upshifts and 40% faster downshifts, which equals more fun on the track. How much fun, you ask? Well, how does 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in merely 2.9 seconds and a 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) sprint time of 7.9 seconds sound? Let’s not forget about the 211 mph (340 km/h) top speed.
7. Zenos E10 R
The new Zenos E10 R, is a new improved version of the E10 supercar, a model that’s even more exciting than the Zenos E10 S. The powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, sourced off a Ford Focus RS, develops 350 PS (345 HP) and 475 Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque. Add in the six-speed manual, and you get 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph or 250 km/h.
There’s also a limited-edition of the car, called the ‘Drive Edition’, which shows off bespoke paintwork, special decals, one-way adjustable Bilstein dampers, updated master brake cylinder, carbon fiber seats, 6-point harnesses, black anodized spine, anodized aluminum short-shift gear lever and a carbon leather interior.
Long story, short: the Zenos E10 R is just awesome!
6. Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 RWD
The RWD Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 was unveiled at the 2015 LA Auto Show, a striking red masterpiece meant to get your rear wheels, as well as your head spinning. The Italian supercar allows the driver to choose between three different driving modes: STRADA, SPORT and CORSA – meant for maximum performance at the track.
Speaking of which, with a weight of 1,389 kg (3,062 lbs) and powered by the 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated engine – 580 PS (572 HP) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque – this Lamborghini will do 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).
The cylinder deactivation technology sounds interesting as well, but we all know that isn’t essential when it comes to this beast.
5. Koenigsegg Agera RS
Koenigsegg has taken the wraps off the incredible Agera RS a while ago, which benefits from a new track-optimized front splitter, front winglets, side skirts, an advanced dynamic underbody flap system and a dynamically active rear spoiler.
The improved side air outlets behind the front wheels come in handy as well, increasing downforce at 250 km/h (155 mph).
With various optionas available, the 5.0-liter V8-powered supercar will definitely make anyone smile. Why wouldn’t you, as you’re driving along and putting all those 1,160 ponies to work? Although it was designed for track life, the Koenigsegg Agera RS can be also registered for road use around the world, for just 25 lucky drivers.
4. Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale
One of the most prestigious names in automotive history has now been finally put to rest. Bugatti has revealed the 450th and final Veyron: the Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale.
Designed to be reminiscent of the first Veyron, the supercar features a red and black exposed carbon fiber exterior, with black air scoops, two-tone wheels, as well as special “La Finale” badging.
Powered by a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16, good for about 1,200 PS (882 kW) and 1,500 Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque, the Veyron will astound you with a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 254 mph (410 km/h). But don’t be sad the Veyron is gone, as the Bugatti Chron is well on its way.
3. McLaren 675LT Spider
The McLaren 675LT Spider is a limited-edition model, with only 500 units planned to be sold worldwide, which means this supercar will be pretty exclusive. With track-focused dynamics, a low curb weight and a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine hiding under the bonnet, any driver would be lucky to have a go behind this supercar’s driving-wheel.
Benefiting from 675 PS and 700 Nm of torque, the Spider will do 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 326 km/h (203 mph). We’re not sure if you’re meant to do that with the top down, but it surely sounds way more fun like that.
The Mclaren 675LT Spider is lighter and more fuel efficient than the McLaren 650S and could be yours starting the summer of 2016.
2. Fenyr SuperSport
Dubai supercar maker W Motors has revealed this year the new Fenyr Supersport. Boasting a radical design, the Fenyr Supersport is actually a follow-up to the menacing Lykan Hypersport, which we all remember and still fear to this day.
This incredibly cool machine features an aerodynamically optimized full carbon fiber body, allowing it to reach a top speed of over 400 km/h (248 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 2.7 seconds.
A custom twin-turbo 4.0-liter flat-six engine, courtesy of RUF, develops 900 hp and 1,200 Nm of torque, which should be more than enough for anyone. W Motors has announced that this will be a very limited-edition vehicle, and only 25 units to be produced. That seems about right, as only a few drivers will afford to park this supercar in their garage, considering the $3.4 million price-tag.
1. Aston Martin Vulcan
Aston Martin never disappoints, most surely not with this incredible project. This is the company’s most powerful and thrilling supercar ever and it was dubbed the Aston Martin Vulcan. The track-only beast is fast, luxurious and extremely desirable, with future owners having to gradually build racing experience behind the steering wheel of an Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, One-77 and a Vantage GT4 race car, before giving it all she’s got.
Showing off an ultra light body, completely constructed out of carbon fiber, as well as a breathtaking design, this supercar comes in a very limited edition of just 24 units. Of course, the mesmerizing styling of the Aston Martin Vulcan is matched by an incredible engine hiding beneath that sleek body.
The massive naturally aspired 7.0L V12 engine has been developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing, which is why it outputs 800+ hp. Yes, please!
